Copper is indispensable for current and emerging technologies, playing a vital role in industries such as renewable energy systems and modern infrastructure. However, the supply of this critical metal is struggling to keep pace with the growing demand. Copper is one of the key metals Mint recovers in its process, and while the value of the metal itself is lower than others present in e-waste, such as gold, the applications of copper in major technology manufacturing and electrification is why green circular copper is key for the future.
The Growing Demand and Supply Challenges
The demand for copper is projected to continue increasing significantly in the coming decades. By 2050, the global demand for copper is expected to reach 52.5 million tonnes. This surge in demand is driven by the rapid adoption of renewable energy technologies and the electrification of transportation.
However, the supply of copper is facing several challenges. Declining ore grades, limited new discoveries, and geopolitical issues in major copper-producing regions are contributing to a widening supply-demand gap, increasing infrastructural risks.
The Importance of Recycling and the Circular Economy
Currently, millions of tonnes of e-waste end up in landfills each year, representing a lost opportunity to reclaim critical materials including copper, as well as causing irreversible environmental damage. By recycling and reusing copper already in circulation, we can significantly reduce the pressure on natural resources and create a circular economy.
Copper is a 100% recyclable material that can be reused without any loss of its chemical or physical properties. In fact, more than 17.2% of the copper used globally comes from recycled sources. This not only conserves natural resources but also reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with primary copper production.
Mint's Commitment to Sustainable Copper Recovery
Mint's proprietary process selectively extracts copper, gold and other metals from circuit boards within discarded electronics, transforming waste into valuable resources. With our unique smart chemistry and gold biosorption process, we avoid any carbon intensive burning, allowing us to safely deploy our technology in small scale urban facilities and provide cities and countries with efficient low-carbon e-waste recycling capabilities.
"Our process is unique because we not only extract valuable metals from e-waste, but we’re actually producing metals in a form to be reintroduced into local supply chains. We’re doing this right now with copper and gold and very soon will be producing silver, palladium and more. This approach has never been done before and represents a significant step forward in sustainable resource recovery.", says Mint COO, Jason Price.
As Mint expands into Longview, Texas, we will be processing thousands of tonnes of e-waste annually, recovering substantial amounts of copper and other critical metals. This technology will make a real impact towards minimizing the supply-demand gap and supporting local industries with recovered materials.
Looking to the Future
Embracing circular economies and leveraging innovative technologies will be crucial in meeting the growing demand for critical metals like copper. By focusing on e-waste recycling and sustainable practices, we can ensure a steady supply of green metals for future generations while minimizing environmental and social impact.
Learn more about Mint’s city-scale metal recovery facilities here.
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Kate Bushby, Head of Commercial Strategy and Growth
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